11-26-07 Item 7A, PC 07-018 3527 Lexington Ave Redevelopment

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - AUGUST 1,2007 8 Cliff Bujold, 1134 Hunters Court, said he has lived for 20 years just south of the strip mall that is being proposed and likes the convenience of the strip mall. He encourages existing tenants to remain and said Walgreen's doesn't belong there, adding that strip malls aren't about national retailers but, instead, local businesses serving the Community. Mr. Bujold said there appears to be a significant issue about parking, fire lanes, and traffic flow for the proposed development and then strongly emphasized again his belief that Walgreen's doesn't belong on the site. Mark Johnson, 3124 Hamline Avenue, said he has lived in the area for 36 of his 42 years and he is strongly averted to putting a "big box" on the site. He said it would change the look and feel of what Arden Hills is trying to create, also noting that his dad was on the Planning Commission for many years. Mr. Johnson said the biggest impact of the development will be on the pharmacy and he doesn't want to see a big pharmacy move in, adding that value that he perceives with his current pharmacist knowing him and his family. Virgin Kane, 4 Pine Tree Drive, Hunters Park Condominiums, said she has lived in the City for two years and had worked at the pharmacy for a while. She said the pharmacy knows her on a first-name basis, is friendly to customers, and offers personal service to the neighborhood. Camille Fisher, 1525 Glenhill Road, stated she has lived in her current house for 30 years and values the personal attention provided by the local pharmacist and his professional and friendly staff. She said it is pathetic to take away a beautiful area and replace it with something cheap, suggesting instead that a nice family restaurant be added. Chair Sand reassured those attending that nothing had been decided on the application and they could relax. Cliff Boyum, 1426 Bussard Court, said he is opposed to the application and would like to see a good, small business come to the community. He noted that he does all of his shopping in the area and believes and trusts the neighborhood stores. Ted Brausen, from the Shell Station, 1306 West County Road E, said he has been in the area since 1968 and is very concerned about traffic in front of the store. He expressed hope that the City would perform its own traffic study and not allow a "big box" to be placed at the site, adding that there has to be a better way to redesign the area and bring in more small businesses to drive the economy. Rowena Ochiagha, 1539 Oak Avenue, said she works and lives in Arden Hills, appreciates the proximity and would mourn the loss of the local pharmacy. She said she didn't' feel that the character of Arden Hills would be reinforced by bringing in a "big box" and increased traffic would be an added safety concern, citing an accident her son and friend had a few years ago at the site.